Public has nothing to lose by continuing my trial after upcoming presidential election: Nasheed

Former president Mohamed Nasheed has said that the people's rights will not be hindered even if his trail is postponed to be held until after the presidential elections. Nasheed is being prosecuted for the illegal detention of Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed during his presidency.

Speaking at the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) rally last night, the first such rally after the former president left the Indian High Commission in Maldives after a continued stay of 11 days, Nasheed said that the people will not be deprived of any rights even if his trial is continued after the upcoming presidential elections.

“The charges taken up against me to be postponed until after the presidential elections, nobody’s rights, nobody’s extra rights will be obstructed or lost, I do not foresee it,” said Nasheed.

He said that a number of lawyers have advised him along this line and that he is certain that his trial will be postponed.

“Lawyers who know about rights have told me the same, that no citizen will face any loss even if my trial is postponed. If the trial is not delayed, it will impede the rights of a number of people. I hope, I am certain, that the trial will be postponed until after the elections,” Nasheed said.

He also said that he does not understand the advantage to gain by other political parties by prosecuting him, and asked them to reveal it if there is such an advantage.

“The advantage to be gained by prosecuting me through this judicial system, or a reward, it is very hard for me to see. I would like to ask from the political opponents in the Maldives to speak of it, if there is such an advantage” said Nasheed.

Former president Nasheed’s supporters view his prosecution as politically motivated.